Tyrrell Hatton was asked about using AI to improve his game and it went exactly how you’d expect
Ross Kinnaird
Tyrrell Hatton marches to the beat of his own drum. When most pros miss a putt, they slump their shoulders. Hatton uses his putter as an imitation shotgun and blasts the hole with it. While most pros revere Augusta National with an almost religious zeal, Hatton hates it. And yes, when most pros decided to stay put on the PGA Tour and DP World Tours, or at the very least pay their fines for leaving, Hatton did neither. You may not love him, but he is a true individual in a sport where few exist.
That was on full display at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Wednesday, when Hatton was asked about integrating AI into his practice and preparation. His response was both surprising to hear from a professional athlete in 2026 and somehow exactly what you would expect. Have a listen.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m probably the worst player in the field to ask that question to,” Hatton replied before launching into his typical brand of self-deprecation.
“I would hate seeing my swing on video. I think it looks disgusting. I don’t really look at stats. I don’t look at the areas of the game I need to improve on. Yeah, I’m sorry for being terrible for your question there.”
Not only is Hatton not using artificial intelligence, he’s apparently not using technology or data in a way that has been considered conventional for nearly a decade. It’s fascinating, it’s refreshing and … it’s possibly ill-advised. Hatton has come up just short in major championships a few times now—most notably at the 2025 U.S. Open, when he faltered down the stretch. Would a tiny little pinch of technology and a dash of statistics have helped him get over the line? Possibly, and that possibility alone seems worth exploring.
Ultimately though, it’s Hatton’s golf game and he can manage it however he chooses. Plus, it would just feel wrong to see our favorite Guinness-swilling, sailor-cursing throwback obsessing over swing planes and spin rates. So for now, keep doing you, Tyrrell. Obviously, it’s worked pretty well so far.